Friday, August 20, 2010

Salvete! Greetings!

We are off to a great start in Latin, learning several words and a little background about the ancient language of Latin. We talked about the importance of Latin as the root for Indo-European (Romance) languages. During our first meeting even the students put together similarities between Latin and Spanish. I know learning Latin will prove to be a valuable background for these students. Once they really grasp some of the basics of the language, they will flourish with Spanish and the English language too. 

A few of the topics we will cover during this first year include:

Latin I
Pronounce, spell and translate Latin vocabulary
Learn practical Latin expressions and 2 prayers in full
Understand the concept of derivatives (words derived from Latin)
Learn basic grammar concepts (conjugating verbs, singular/plural, parts of speech)
Compete in a school-wide Latin Vocabulary Bee in the Spring

Latin II
Read and translate short stories from Latin Via Ovid and other original texts
Advanced grammar concepts (decline nouns, conjugate irregular verbs)
Vocabulary
Compete in a school-wide Latin Vocabulary Bee in the Spring

We will spend a good amount of time on grammar. Latin is a very grammar driven language with endings, conjugations, and noun declinsions. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. 

Amy McCauley
amymccauley@mac.com
254.231.5010

VOCABULARY
I will periodically include vocabulary we are studying. I will try to include English words the students may be familiar with to show the Latin root we are studying.

Latin I
salve/salvete         hello (sing/pl) salutations
vale/valete         goodbye (sing/pl)
magistra/magister teacher (fem.masc)
discipula/discipulus student (f/m) disciple